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Toyota Yaris (4th generation, XP210): Rear Drum Brake Shoe Replacement

Some Yaris XP210 trim levels with the hybrid setup have drum brakes at the rear. The shoes last a long time, so this job is rarely needed. Replace the shoes on both wheels of the axle at the same time. I don't have confirmed torque data for this specific procedure on this model, so the steps below give the general principle. Take the torque values from the manufacturer's service manual.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 1.5-3 hours Steps: 13 Tools: jack and jack stands, lug wrench, socket set and ratchet, flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, brake shoe spring tool (or pliers), DOT 4 brake fluid (for topping off), brake cleaner, copper or ceramic grease for the support pads, wire or zip tie for hanging the caliper and cylinder, wire brush

Part

  • 🔩 rear drum brake shoe set for the Yaris XP210 (must include the hardware kit: springs, hold-down springs, adjuster strut). Replace the brake drums only if they are worn beyond the limit, scored, or out of round. Verify the exact part number for your trim level against the VIN and the drum size (stamped on the drum itself)
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 7 more. See manuals →

Step by step

13 steps
  1. Park the car on a level surface, select P, shut the system down (READY off), and disconnect the 12 V battery terminal. If the car has an electric parking brake, do not apply it while you work. Loosen the lug nuts, lift the rear axle, place it on jack stands, and remove the wheels.
  2. Inspect the drum. If it won't come off by hand, check whether a retaining screw or pin is holding the drum. Apply penetrating oil and tap the drum gently with a rubber mallet.
  3. If a wear ridge on the drum edge is in the way, insert a screwdriver through the access hole and move the adjuster down (or release the manual adjuster) so the shoes pull away.
  4. Remove the drum. Do not breathe the brake dust. Do not blow it off with air; wet it down with brake cleaner.
  5. Take photos of the layout of the springs, the parking brake lever, and the adjuster strut. Shoe assembly on drum brakes depends on the design, so the photos will make reassembly much easier.
  6. Remove the shoe hold-down springs (press the cap in and turn the pin 90 degrees), then the upper and lower return springs. Release the parking brake cable from the shoe lever and remove the shoes.
  7. Inspect the wheel cylinder for fluid leaks and check that the dust boots are intact. If it leaks, replace the cylinder and then bleed the system. Check the drum for deep scoring, out-of-roundness, and the maximum diameter (stamped on the drum).
  8. Clean the backing plate and the support pads with brake cleaner. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature grease only to the shoe contact points, and keep it off the friction material. Transfer the parking brake lever and the adjuster strut from the old shoes to the new ones.
  9. Install the shoes, connect the cable, and fit the hold-down and return springs in the same order as in your photos. Make sure the shoes sit correctly against the adjuster strut and the gap adjuster.
  10. Install the drum. Adjust the gap with the adjuster through the access hole until the drum just begins to drag, then back it off 2-3 clicks so the wheel turns freely.
  11. Install the wheel and tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern. The wheel nut torque on the Yaris is typically about 103 N·m (76 lb-ft) (confirm in the service manual). Re-tighten with a torque wrench after lowering the car.
  12. Press the brake pedal several times until it firms up. Check the brake fluid level. Test the parking brake. With an electric parking brake, if it doesn't clamp as it did before the job, you will need service mode and calibration with diagnostic equipment.
  13. Take a test drive at low speed. Check braking, make sure the car doesn't pull to one side, and listen for unusual noises. Bed in the new shoes for 200-300 km (125-185 miles) without hard braking.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • The brake system is critical for safety. If you have no experience with drum brakes, have a repair shop do the replacement. Do not press the brake pedal with the drums removed, because it will push the wheel cylinder pistons out. Always replace the shoes on both sides of the axle at the same time. Brake dust may contain harmful particles, so wear a mask and gloves. On a hybrid, keep the system off while working on the brakes. Regenerative braking affects the load on the rear brakes, and you should not touch the high-voltage components without proper preparation.
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